Laying on my bed, I feel a sudden pain in my head. It pulses and squeezes. I holler out, the pain so intense that I see stars, and grab my head. I can hear someone knock on my door but I am too incapacitated to move. I can feel the tears slipping from my eyes but I am unable to move and do something about it. Suddenly, the door bursts open and someone grabs a hold of me. I hear a female voice say, “Oh, no it’s starting. We need to get this done.” I recognize the voice but I can’t place it. It feels familiar but I can’t seem to think past the pain. “Ray, honey, you need to drink this.” She says. I don’t move. I can’t move. I smell something sweet under my nose but I just rock back and forth. I want to take it, I really do, if that means it will ease this pain. My breathing becomes shallow as I start to feel my whole body light on fire. It feels as if something is trying to break my bones. I feel arms wrap around me. It gives me small comfort and I lean into it. “What is happening to
I slump down to the ground. “What?” This is too much. What nonsense are they speaking now? “What do you mean that I have to kill humans?” “It is for the betterment of the world, child.” Selene says. “I don’t know how murder is the betterment. You’re asking me to take someone’s life!” I yell. “We see things, Daughter.” Zephyrus says, crouching down so he can a strand of hair behind my ears. “We know what will happen if you don’t.” He stands up as the wolf whines. She pads over to me, slowly. She huffs on my face before slowly licking my face. It tickles and causes me to giggle. I wrap my arms around her and she yips happily. She sits down at my feet and looks at me expectantly. Selene laughs and crouches down beside her. “Raleigh, daughter, this is my daughter’s wolf. Now, she belongs to you. She is your wolf and she is waiting for you to wake so you can meet officially.” Selene says. Serenity growls, causing Selene to laugh again. “She is angry at your mother. She’s been hidden f
‘He’s the leader of the pack.’ She chuckles. ‘You know like that song?’ No, I don’t know what song she is talking about. ‘Just kidding. Just kidding. He is the leader though. See, we werewolves live in a pack. The leader is the Alpha, usually a male, and their mate is the Luna. While he is the one that doles out justice and protects the pack the Luna is like the mother. Then we have the betas, gammas, and omegas. Some packs have warrior ranks as well. This pack, however, everyone is a warrior so they are not ranked separately.’ ‘Okay, so the Alpha is like the King.’ I gasp. ‘Is Chris the Alpha?’ She laughs for a few minutes before answering. ‘No, he is just a demigod. No wolf in him, honey. Now, look outside!’ She says, happily. I look outside and notice that the wind has stopped. ‘I did it.’ ‘Yes, you did, sweet girl. I am so glad that I finally get to talk to you. I missed your companionship.’ She says. ‘However, I am tired. I need to sleep so we can shift tonight.’ ‘Why tonigh
Chris’ POV Rae collapses in her wolf form and I nearly panic. Selene comes running out of the house and stops, dead in her tracks, when she sees her daughter lying on the ground. I’m about to apologize but she just waves it away as I open my mouth. “It’s okay, Christopher. This was to be expected.” She glances down at her daughter sadly. “I just wish that she had told me that she planned to shift.” “I don’t know that she did plan it.” I admit. “Actually, her wolf told me that I needed to be here for her. She told me that it would be hard. It was the worst feeling in the world not to be able to help.” I glance down and notice that I am absently running my hand down her fur so black. I’m captivated how it turns a deep shaded purple as I run my hands down it. I glance back up at Selene. “She said that if her Alpha had been here it would have been easier. Does that mean that I should have called Toby’s father?” Selene smiles, a sad smile, and shakes her head. “No, Chris. She means Toby
Rae’s POV Aches, and pain, is all I feel right now. I just want to lie down and rest. Changing to Serenity, and the change back, was bad enough. Enduring what Katy wanted was too much. Now, I am barely able to lift my legs let alone get ready for my date. My heart skips a beat as I think about Chris. I just wish the rest of me could be just as excited. “Oh, come one, you big baby. We’re headed to the springs. It will relax those big ole muscles up.” The spring. The one place that I have purposely avoided since I was a child. It was a place that Chris and I loved to go to, one of the few places where what we were did not matter, and that was ruined the day that he took Sera there. That day, like all the others tore my heart into tiny pieces. Serenity growls at the memory. The memory of Chris’s arm around her waist as he bent down to kiss her. The memory of how she barely had to lift her heel to join hers to his. The obnoxious moan that came from her mouth as she pulled him closer. T
The restaurant that we enter is absolutely gorgeous. I have never been to a place like this before. Well, more like never been invited on a date. The way the lights hang a little low, each table having their own chandelier with softly glowing bulbs, make it feel romantic. In all these years, I have never been here. My heart races with excitement. That is, until I see our waitress. My heart stops dead in it’s tracks as I see her walk over towards us, all smiles and innocence. As if, that could be a thing. She was never miss innocent. I glance away and watch Chris’s reaction out of the side of my face. Sera walks over to us, leans over and pecks him on the cheek. I feel the heat in my face boil over as jealousy takes a hold of me. Serenity growls softly in my mind. ‘She needs to get her eyes away from our mate. If she touches him again, I won’t be responsible for the scars that will leave behind.’ ‘Hush, Serenity, you know that you can’t do anything like that in public.’ ‘She dared
Chris’s POV My heart is racing. It thumps so hard as I stare at her, waiting for her answer. I know that she loves me, and I know that she already agreed to be my queen, but I’m asking for a marriage. Some people would say that it is the same thing. However, I am not asking her to be my Queen consort but an equal. I hope that she realizes that. Her eyes widen, and water, as she stares at me. At me, not the ring. Did I say something wrong? Should I have asked her differently? I am vaguely aware of hearing Alrich’s mate whisper something to him but I don’t hear her words. Suddenly, Rae drops down to the ground in front of me and my heart stops. Is she about to say no? “Rae?” I barely whisper. She shocks me by grabbing my face in her hands and planting a, very emotional, kiss on my lips. I can feel her lips quivering and taste the tears down her face. I press into the kiss and grab her around the waist with one hand while I bury my other in her hair. She tastes like sweet cinnamon ro
Rae’s POV To say that I am nervous, is an understatement. Today is the day! The day that I get married. You would think that I am excited. Instead, I’m absolutely terrified. Why? I don’t know. It may have something to do with the fact that Chris invited the whole Kingdom and his friend Preston’s. I can hear everyone out there. “You look beautiful, darling. Stop fretting.” Mama says. I glance down at the beautiful purple gown. I was shocked that they are allowing me to get married in my favorite color. It’s absolutely beautiful though. As long as I don’t trip down the aisle, I won’t want to change a thing. “Did Katy really have to go so heavy on the makeup though? I feel like it’s caked and it’s very heavy.” I whine. Mama laughs. “You’re beautiful, Rae. She didn’t even put that much on. Now quite complaining. It’s about to start.” I take a deep breath and fidget with my fingers. I miss my dad. I wish it was him that was walking me down the aisle. Instead it’s my brother. The plan
Rae’s POV I open my eyes to bright light. I look around and find myself in a field. Did I die? My heart breaks realizing that I am not going to see my husbands or my children. I slowly stand up and weave my hands through the grass. I glance around when I feel a presence around me. A man steps out of the shadows and my breath hitches. “Daddy?” I ask. “Hello, pumpkin.” He says. I run to him and jump into his arms. “Daddy, I’ve missed you.” “I have missed you too, pumpkin.” He whispers. “What are you doing here?” I ask. “I came to see you. I am supposed to walk you to the moon goddess.” “The moon goddess?” I ask. “Am I dead?” He smiles sadly. “Not yet, dear. There are some very determined people working on you. But, you are dying. Come.” He says, as he wraps his arms around my shoulders. I can’t help but cry. I am glad that I get to see him but I don’t want to leave everyone else behind. “I am proud of you, pumpkin.” He says. “I have been keeping an eye on you. You, and your m
Rae’s POV “Push, baby. You have this. One more time. You’ve got this.” Chris says. I feel like breaking off his fingers with this next push. Despite all of my yelling, and squishing his fingers, he has the brightest smile and radiates happiness. “Where is Toby?” I ask. “I want to wait for Toby.” I whine. “He’s almost here, baby. You know that he had to go to Ryan’s territory. This baby doesn’t want to wait. They are ready come out.” I blow out a breath. He doesn’t have to remind me. I can feel them pushing out. I groan. Toby had to leave to go help Ryan because a few of the hunters that escaped our raids have been causing issues. He’s been gone for a whole week. Now, he’s not here and the babies are coming without him. I want to cry. “You can do this, Rae. One more push and he’s out.” Linda says. I take a deep breath as Chris pushes me up. As I push as hard as possible, the door flies open and Toby rushes in. He rushes to stand on my other side. I am unable to say anything as I
Toby’s POV As Raleigh falls, I rush to catch her. My heart is pounding in my chest. I know that she hasn’t been feeling well lately but I haven’t wanted to bug her about it. ‘Chris, meet me at the pack doctor’s office.’ I holler through the link. ‘Already on my way.’ She groans in her sleep and I pick up speed. I should have seen this coming after everything that we have been doing over the last year. She must’ve exhausted herself out. ‘Cian, can you detect what’s wrong?’ I ask my wolf. ‘Serenity has been blocking us out for the last week or so. I’ve tried to ask if everything is okay but she just assures me that she’s tired.’ ‘Do you think that it has anything to do with what we just did?’ I ask, nervously. A huge wave of guilt hits me. Maybe I shouldn’t have pressed that. Now, that I think about it, she hasn’t been very active in the bedroom lately, either. Cian scoffs. ‘Of course not. It has to be something else.’ “Let me see her.” Chris snaps, pulling me out of my head with
Chris’s POV Exhaustion doesn’t even begin to cover how I am feeling right now. We have traveled three quarters of the globe and destroyed many hunters. I feel like I should have some guilt over this but I don’t. These are the scums of the earth. We ran into some hunter camps that had scientists working on humans. Labs were in more than half of the camps. Humans caged in cells smaller than a bathroom. Speaking of bathroom, they only had a pan to use as theirs. The smells that encompassed these labs were enough to make every one of us vomit. That was before we even saw the first cell. On top of the surface, they look like cabins. We would have not even noticed them if it wasn’t for Jessica. Toby’s top warrior. She smelled something. Of course, she found out that she was pregnant and that’s why she was able to smell it when the rest of us couldn’t. We destroyed the house before we found the secure wall. Magic was in play because once we found it, the house shifted on the outside to s
Toby’s POV Watching Rae and Chris work their magic is incredible. We have arrived at yet another base of Hunters. This one wasn’t as kind as the last five that we arrived at. Most of those five surrendered and agreed to a peace treaty. This one, however, every one was tainted with hatred. A hatred for something that they didn’t understand. The way these hunters live is similar to how our packs live. They are familiar based. I would feel bad for some of these humans but, they are so full of hatred, they can’t be saved. My warriors and I have taken all of the small children, handing them off to the humans. They will figure out who to give them too. There are some hunters that lost their children due to the severity of the battles they waged. All of them were lead to believe that all supernaturals were a danger to them. When Rae stood up in front of them, and offered peace, only a few challenged her. Mostly the oldest ones were filled with hatred. Rae gave them plenty of chances. She
Rae’s POV 2 weeks later I’m dressed up and ready to go. We’re headed to a small town full of hunters. We have sent out squads of warriors from the castle out on the hunt. One set came up with a small town that was full of them. It’s in another part of the world. Sadly, this makes me think of Emma. I feel the tears slipping down my face. Chris walks up behind me and wraps me up in my arms. Yes, I said Chris. In the last two weeks, he has explained things to me. While I am still mad at him, I decided to give him another chance. “It will be okay, Raleigh.” He says. I shake my head. I killed my best friend. “Rae, it was you or her.” Toby said, coming into the room. “I understand that.” I whisper. “It’s just that I feel like it’s sort of my fault. Of course, she is sort of right. She isn’t the only one to feel that way.” Chris stiffens. Toby comes to stand in front. The heat and sparks coming from both of my mates, sends comfort through me. I held onto Toby while I leaned against
Rae’s POV 2 months later Laughter escapes my mouth as I run around the island. Toby is trying to spread icing on my face. Of course, it’s payback because I did it first. We were invited to a birthday party of one of the pups. Their mother asked me to cut the cake and I couldn’t resist. The kids are laughing at mine and Toby’s antics. He feints to the right. Too bad that I noticed he looked to my right first. See, he has a tell tale sign because he is worried that I am going to hurt myself. So, he just looks in that area first. I’m not even sure that he notices it. “You can’t escape me forever, Rae, darling.” He taunts. “Oh yeah?” I taunt back. “Yeah. It’s only fair you know. Don’t you kids agree?” He asks the kids. “The boys agree while the girls say a resounding ‘no’.” We both laugh. I squeal as he makes a move that I didn’t see. I jump across the island and stop in my tracks, my breath freezing in my chest. How did I not hear anyone come up from behind me? The lady standing
Rae’s POVThe warmth of two bodies surround me as consciousness pulls at me again. I remember their names, Toby and Chris. I feel so comfortable that I don’t even want to open my eyes. I just want to go back to sleep. I don’t even know how I got into this position.The bed does not even feel like the same bed that I had been in last night. It’s softer, bigger, and allows the two of them in it. I am squished between these two men. Something nags at me, telling me that I know these two men and that they are an important part of my life.Why can’t I remember them? ‘You will.’ Something in my head says. I’m not bothered by this voice as I know that she is somehow a part of me. ‘Go back to sleep, Rae. When you wake, your memory will return.’ I remember the last time she said that I was blocking myself. ‘You’re opening it up subconsciously. Though, I am sure that it has to do with these cute men beside us. They are your mates, afterall.’Hmm. Okay, maybe I should just get some sleep then. T
Rae’s POVDarkness surrounds me. I can’t seem to understand what is going on in my mind. I feel intense pain and I can hear some voices. I feel as if I should recognize them but I can’t seem to concentrate enough to hear them plainly. Two male voices are very distinct. They seem to be talking to a meek lady.Suddenly, I feel someone pick me up. I feel the pain but I am unable to make a sound or move. I feel a feather like electricity shoot through my temple as someone leaves a kiss. Who is this? There is something in my mind that tells me that I know.A cold rush hits my body as I am taken outside. At least I assume it is outside.“Hold on, little Luna.” I hear, sounding far away.“Please, my Love.” The second voice says.“This way. Hurry, before he gets back.” The meek voice says.I feel a shift in direction. Why can’t I open my eyes? Why do I feel so weak?“Hurry up!” She says again. “I don’t know how long he’ll be kept out of this plane. He’s arguing with his brother right now.”Wh